Which of the following best characterizes 'fatty liver' in the context of alcoholic liver disease?

• A. Accumulation of fat (steatosis) in hepatocytes due to altered hepatic metabolism; it is usually reversible with cessation of alcohol intake.
• B. A rare congenital lipid storage disease unrelated to alcohol consumption and not responsive to changes in drinking behavior.
• C. Immediate hepatocyte death and widespread scar formation that is irreversible even with abstinence.
• D. An acute vascular occlusion of the liver caused by fat emboli that always requires emergent surgery and is not modified by alcohol cessation.

Answer: (A)